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  • Zoe Lim

How to Choose the Perfect Piano Teacher


a female piano teacher giving piano lessons to a girl

Whether you are choosing a piano teacher for yourself or your child, it is important that you pick the right instructor as they will play a big part of your learning process. You also need to ask yourself, what qualities and traits you prioritise when it comes to finding the right teacher. Some might choose personality, some prioritise music taste and others only care for the amount of experience. If you don't exactly know which to prioritise yet, don't worry as our list below will serve as a guideline for you!


1. Communication


Communication is one of the most crucial traits you might want to consider when it comes to a learning environment. The knowledge, information and details passed down from the mentor has to be thorough and easy enough for the mentee to understand. Communication styles varies with everyone. Some like to communicate through visuals, others prefer auditory and some through kinesthetics. Find your learning style, and match it with a piano teacher who has the ability to teach you via your learning methods.


Questions you may want to ask :

- What are some of your teaching methods?

- Which demographic do you teach the most?

- How do you evaluate your students' progress?


2. Your Goals


Knowing your goals before finding the right teacher should be first step you take. Why do you want to learn the piano? It could be just a hobby for you or maybe you want to play in a band, or even achieve professional standards. Know what you want, and what kind of music you want to be playing before interviewing piano teachers. Also, be transparent and ask yourself how much time you can spend on practicing the piano.


Questions you may want to ask:

- What do you want to achieve from piano lessons?

- What are your musical tastes, styles, and goals?

- Are you more interested in the technical or social aspects of playing piano?


3. Price


Price is a big issue for most people. You want to get the most valuable experience you can, without spending a big fortune. So, consider your budget for each month of piano lessons, and discuss further with potential instructors about their pricing. The average cost is $15 to $50 per piano lesson, so if you're paying above that rate, you should expect a serious piano education.


Questions you may want to ask:

- What can I expect from the piano lessons with this pay rate?

- Are there any late payment policies?

- How are payments made and when?


4. Experience


Lastly, experience of a teacher is something most people would have in mind when selecting a class.

The more experienced the teacher, the better the ability she or he has in teaching. Knowing your goals, select the appropriate amount of experience a piano teacher has.


Questions you may want to ask:

- Are there any certifications/testimonials/references?

- What is your professional and educational experience in music?

- Do you offer other performance opportunities for your students, such as festivals and competitions?


 

Zoe is an avid fan of all kinds of music. Her primary instrument is the guitar but she is always passionately learning how to play other instruments such as the drums and keyboard. She is currently playing the bass guitar in a band and has been routinely involved in music since she was a child.

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